106-year-old Fred Butler with family after receiving his high school diploma Monday. (Credit: WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Carl Stevens)

“I thank everyone responsible for this, I certainly appreciate it,” Butler told a large crowd gathered for the ceremony.

Butler dropped out of school after eighth grade to work in order to help his mother pay the bills.

“He’s a kind and gentle soul,” his niece Helen told WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Carl Stevens. “He took care of his siblings and helped his mom as a young man. He’s always been there for everyone in the family.”